Cold beverage dispenser and cutter assembly for cold beverage dispenser

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for making a beverage includes a housing, a first receptacle, a second receptacle, a cutting assembly, a water source, and at least one water outlet. The first receptacle is positioned in the housing for accepting a first beverage container containing a liquid. The second receptacle is positioned in the housing for accepting a second beverage container containing a liquid. The cutting assembly has a cutting blade that is movable relative to the first and second receptacles for opening the first and second containers substantially simultaneously so that liquid stored therein can be at least in part evacuated. The water source is coupled to the housing The at least one water outlet is associated with one or more of the first and second receptacles for adding water to the liquid from the first and second beverage containers from the water source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/060,706, filed on Mar. 4, 2016, and entitled “COLD BEVERAGE DISPENSERAND CUTTER ASSEMBLY FOR COLD BEVERAGE DISPENSER,” now U.S. Pat. No.9,932,218, and a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/943,778, filed Apr. 3, 2018, and entitled “COLD BEVERAGE DISPENSERAND CUTTER ASSEMBLY FOR COLD BEVERAGE DISPENSER.”

FIELD

The examples described herein relate to a cold beverage dispenser foruse in making mixed drinks and/or health and wellness drinks. Theexamples described herein also concern a cutter and a cutter cartridgefor use in connection with a cold beverage dispenser.

BACKGROUND

Many consumers enjoy trying different alcoholic beverages. Often, inorder to try multiple types of beverages, it is necessary to purchase amultitude of ingredients and multiple bottles of alcohol. This is oftenvery costly and requires a significant amount of storage, since bottleare often not emptied and need to be stored. Because of this, consumerstend to stick with a certain type of drink. Countertop coffee makershave become very popular among consumers. These countertop coffee makersinclude a brewer which heats water from a reservoir and inputs hot waterto a single serve cartridge that houses coffee grinds and a filter.Coffee is “brewed” in the cartridge and then permitted to exit thebrewer into a cup. Existing machines of this nature puncture the top andbottom surfaces of the cartridge in order to permit hot water to enterthe top of the cartridge and coffee to exit a bottom of the cartridge.

SUMMARY

A cold beverage dispenser is shown and described. A cutter and cutterassembly is also shown and described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example beverage dispenser 10according to the invention, showing a cover of the beverage dispenser inan open position;

FIG. 2 depicts a rear perspective view of the beverage dispenser of FIG.1, with the cover in a closed position;

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 1, withthe cover in a closed position;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 1 with thecover in an open position;

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of the beverage dispenser of FIG. 1showing the cutter assembly (cassette) removed from the body of thedispenser;

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the various internal parts of thebeverage dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7-13 depict cross-sectional side views of the cutting sequence forthe cutting assembly of the example beverage dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 depicts a configuration before pouches are inserted into thedispenser and the cover is closed;

FIG. 8 depicts a configuration after the cover has been opened and thepouches have been inserted into the respective receptacles, but beforethe pouches have been cut;

FIG. 9 depicts a configuration where the pawl under the cover has beenengaged prior to cutting of the pouches;

FIG. 10 depicts a cutaway front alternative view of the dispenser likethat shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 depicts a configuration where the cover has been closed and theblade has sliced the pouches;

FIG. 12 depicts the blade in a partially retracted position after thepouches have been cut open;

FIG. 13 depicts the blade in a fully retracted position after thepouches have been cut open;

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an example beverage or alcoholpouch for use with the beverage dispenser;

FIG. 15 depicts a front view of the example pouch of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 depicts an exploded view of the pawl and post of the cover;

FIG. 17 depicts an exploded view of the cutter arm and blade;

FIG. 18 depicts an exploded view of the pump and water tubing; and

FIG. 19 depicts an exploded view of the display screen of the beveragedispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Consumers enjoy trying mixed drinks. Drink specialty menus are verypopular at most restaurants. However, specialty drinks are oftenexpensive to purchase. Consumers often would like to try specialtydrinks at home, but it can be costly to purchase all the ingredients. Inaddition, consumers need to find recipes on their own. The cold beveragedispenser 10 described herein provides a solution for consumers to beable to make many different kind of drinks, including specialty drinks,without having to find a recipe and mix various ingredients together.The example dispenser 10 described herein allows a consumer to make a“perfect” drink every time without having to buy multiple bottles ofingredients and alcohol.

FIGS. 1-4 depict an example beverage dispenser 10. The device 10 is anon-the-counter machine targeted to the casual cocktail market for peoplewho want to try a variety of drinks, but don't necessarily want toinvest in large amounts of expensive ingredients. In this example, themachine 10 is single-serve and permits a consumer to mix a wide varietyof ingredients together to make a cocktail. The machine 10 depicted hastwo receptacles 12 for receiving ingredient containers 14, as well as areservoir W for holding water. (More receptacles could be provided ifdesired). The receptacles 12 are configured to accept single servecontainers 14 that include liquid ingredients. The containers are shownas being in pouch form and have a thin wall that is conducive toslicing. Alternatively, the containers 14 could hold powder ingredients.

By utilizing multiple containers 14 in multiple receptacles 12, theconsumer has the ability to create hundreds of cocktails. The containers14 may include cocktail mixers (such as juice and other ingredients) oralcohol products (such as vodka, gin, whiskey, and the like). A typicalcocktail can be made using one alcohol container 14a and one mixercontainer 14. The containers 14 are input separately into thereceptacles 12 in the dispensing machine 10 and the alcohol is typicallynot mixed with the mixers prior to activation of the machine 10,although there may be some formulations where alcohol is mixed with amixer in the container 14. The size of the containers 14 may varyrelative to the alcohol pouches and relative to what is required inorder to make a drink recipe. Although an initial embodiment of thebeverage maker 10 is an on the counter-type device, the device 10 mayalternatively be an on-the-floor device or have different sizesdepending upon the application.

The containers 14 are formulated so that they allow the consumer to makethe “perfect” drink every time because the mixers are proportioned toexactly match the amount of alcohol in the alcohol container 14. Thisallows the consumer great ease to try a variety of drinks, mixedperfectly, in their own home. No measuring of ingredients is needed. Theconsumer only has to insert the containers 14 into the receptacles 12and let the machine 10 prepare the cocktail.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulates thelabeling, advertising and marketing of alcoholic beverages in the UnitedStates. Wine and liquor may only be sold in standard sizes. Somejurisdictions provide different rules depending on the strength of thealcohol. The smallest size bottle of distilled spirits permitted to besold in the United States is referred to as a miniature and has a sizeof 50 ml or 1.7 ounces. A typical shot that is dispensed in US bars isbetween 1 ounce and 1.5 ounces. The “shot” dispensed in connection withthe subject dispenser 10 is 1.7 ounces in order to conform to US sizingstandards. This may change over time if federal regulations change.Other sizes may be used in other jurisdictions, with the size of the“shot” not being limited to 50 ml. The mixers utilized with thedispensing device 10 are formulated for use with 1.7 ounces of liquor.If a different size “shot” is permitted to be sold, then the mixers canbe adjusted based upon the quantity of alcohol in the “shot” container.Double shots of alcohol may be used by either using a larger container14 in the receptacle 12 or by using two alcohol containers 14, eachhaving 1.7 ounces of alcohol. In one example, the dispenser 10 may havethe capacity to make a “double” so that 3 ounces of alcohol are used atminimum, along with about 8 oz. of mixer. Alcohol may be dispensed as aprecisely measured mixologist bartender shot, if desired and permittedunder local laws.

The dispenser 10 of FIGS. 1-4 includes a housing 22, a water reservoirW, a cover 24, multiple receptacles 12 for receiving containers 14, acutter assembly 9, a display panel 11, an on/off switch 26, and a catchtray 30. The catch tray 30 may include a liner 32. The display panel 11includes an LED screen 10.8 that may be back lit. The display panel 11includes a “mix” button 10.5, a “clean” button 10.3, and a “read” button10.2. Other buttons may also be provided. As shown, the containers 14are pouch-shaped and are inserted substantially vertically. In oneembodiment, the containers 14 are inserted at an approximately 20 degreeangle so that they lean forward against part of the housing 22 onceinstalled.

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of the dispenser 10 showing the variousparts of the dispenser 10 that can be disassembled by a user forcleaning or otherwise. The display 11 and housing 22 are coupledtogether. The cutter assembly 9 is a cassette that can be removed forcleaning. The housing 22 contains ridges or other surfaces (not shown)for receiving the cutting assembly 9. A clip 28 may be positioned on thesides of the cutting assembly 9 for coupling with a groove (not shown)inside the housing 22 in order to hold the cutting assembly 9 inposition in the housing 22. A divider 36 is also provided between thefirst and second receptacles 12. The divider 36 may be removable fromthe housing 22 and is used to separate the two containers 14 in order toprovide receptacles 12 for receiving both containers 14 in the housing22. The divider 36 has a slot 38 through which a cutting blade 40 canmove horizontally. The divider 36 may be positioned in the housing 22 toabut grooves or slots (not shown) in the housing 22 interior. Thedivider 36 may be coupled in any known manner to the housing 22.

A water reservoir W is positioned on a rear end of the housing 22 and isremovable therefrom. A pump 17.1 (not shown in FIG. 5) is coupled to thewater reservoir W and is used to pump water through the housing 22 inorder to mix the water with ingredients stored in the containers 14. Thehousing 22 also includes a well 32 that has an overflow plate 34 that ispositioned in the well 32 for catching any overflow from the dispenser10. The well 32 is positioned at the dispensing end of the device 10 andis positioned below the funnel 18 through which liquid ingredientstravel. The well 32 may include a drain lid 34 that is used forpositioning a glass 16 on the drain 34 in order to keep the bottom ofthe glass 16 out of the well 32. Both the overflow well 32 and the drainlid 34 may be removable. The water reservoir W is removable in order topermit refilling of the reservoir with water. The water reservoir W mayhave a switch that signals to the user that the reservoir W is low onwater.

FIG. 6 depicts a variety of parts as discussed in greater detail aboveand below. FIG. 6 shows the parts associated with the display panel 11,including switches associated with the read 10.2, mix 10.5 and clean10.3 buttons. FIG. 6 shows various parts of the housing 22, including anupper housing portion 42 and a lower housing portion 44. The upperhousing portion 42 is broken into two parts, and a large opening isprovided in the upper housing 42 in order to accept the cutter assembly9 therein. A sensor is associated with the water reservoir W in order toidentify when the reservoir W is running low on water. The cutterassembly 9 is shown in exploded view, including the cover 24 and adecorative member 46 that couples to the cover 24. The decorative member46 may include a brand name, among other features, such as instructions.Features relating to the water lines 17.12, 17.13, 17.10 and water pump17.1 are also depicted. In addition, a system for reading the pouches9.21, 9.22, 9.23, 9.24 is also provided. Some of these features will bediscussed in greater detail below.

FIGS. 7-13 depict the operation of the device 10 through a full sequencethat involves inserting the containers 14 and cutting them so thatliquid can be dispensed. FIG. 7 shows the device with the cover 24closed and without any containers 14 positioned in the receptacles 12.

In order to use the device, the user opens the cover 24 and insertscontainers 14 into the receptacles 12, as shown in FIG. 8. The cutterassembly 9 seats in the housing 22 adjacent the receptacles 12. Inaddition, a removable divider plate 36 is positioned in the receptacleslot 12 in order to delineate two separate receptacles 12. The cover 24is connected to the cutter assembly 9 by a post 9.11 and a receiver9.10. The post 9.11 is connected to the cutting arm 9.1 and cuttingblade 40 and the receiver 9.10 is connected to the lower side of thecover 24 and is pivotable relative to the cover 24. A pawl 9.12 ispositioned between the post 9.11 and the receiver 9.10 and is use togovern the motion of the cutting blade 40. The post 9.11 is slidablyreceived within the receiver 9.10.

FIG. 8 shows the blade 40 before it moves forward to slice thecontainers 14 and shows slight movement inwardly. The interior of thecutter assembly 9 includes a stop block 9.13, which stops the rearwardmovement of the cutting blade 40. The interior of the cutter assembly 9also includes a spring 9.4 that is connected to the upper 9.1. Thespring 9.4 returns the cutter arm 9.1 to a non-extended position aftercutting has occurred. The cutting blade 40 is connected to the cutterarm 9.1. The blade 40 is configured to rotate about an axis that isdefined by the pivot point of the cutting arm 9.1 relative to thecutting assembly housing. The cutter arm 9.1 rotates about this pivotpoint when the cover 24 and post 9.11 move. A pawl 9.12 is used to lockthe position of the post 9.11 relative to the receiver 9.10 such thatwhen the cover 24 is closed, the post 9.11 is fixed in position relativeto the receiver 9.10, thereby permitting the cutter arm 9.1 to rotate.FIG. 8 shows the cover 24 and pawl 9.12 before the pawl 9.12 is fullyengaged. The pawl 9.12 must be fully engaged before cutting occurs.

FIG. 9 shows the cover 24 and pawl 9.12 once the pawl 9.12 is fullyengaged and locked in position, but before the cover 24 is closed. Thepawl 9.12 engages a ledge 48 on the post 9.11 and seats on the ledge 48until a knob 50 on the receiver 9.10 knocks an arm 56 on the pawl 9.12off the ledge 48 (see FIG. 16 for greater details concerningconstruction of the pawl 9.12). In this position, when the user closesthe cover 24, the post 9.11, pawl 9.12 and receiver 9.10 will acttogether against the force of the spring 9.4 to permit the blade 40 totravel forwardly in a substantially horizontal manner in order to cutopen the containers 14 that are positioned in the receptacles 12 and torelease the contents therefrom, as shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 9 shows twopositions for the cutting blade 40. A first position is before the cover24 is closed, when the cutter arm 9.1 abuts the stop 9.13, and a secondposition shows the cutting blade 40 rotated slightly forwardly. Thiswould occur as the cover 24 is closed. Because the pawl 9.12 locks thepost 9.11 and receiver 9.10 together, when the cover 24 is closed, thepost 9.11 and cutter arm 9.1 move forward. Since the cutting blade 40 isfixedly attached to the cutter arm 9.1, the blade 40 also moves forwardin order to slice through both containers 14 simultaneously. The blade40 travels through a slot 38 in the divider plate 36.

FIG. 10 shows the position of the pawl 9.12 in a locked position from afront view. The pawl 9.12 includes a return spring 54 that helps toreturn the pawl 9.12 to an unlocked position. In addition, the pawl 9.12includes a release arm 56 that acts upon a release knob 48 that ispositioned on the receiver 9.10. As shown, the post 9.11 is positionedinside the receiver 9.10.

FIG. 11 shows the cutting assembly 9 after the blade 40 has traveledforward. In this position, the return spring 9.4 is fully extended andacts on the cutter arm 9.1 to pull it rearwardly after the pawl 9.12 isreleased. As is evident, the cutting blade 40 moves forward in asubstantially horizontal movement. There is some vertical displacementduring the movement, but a significant part of the movement is in ahorizontal and forward direction. The movement is also a swingingmovement since the pivot point for the cutter arm 9.1 is above the blade40. The blade 40 has an angled, sharpened leading edge 60. The anglededge assists in initiating the cutting. The containers 14, or pouches,are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 14 and 15. As shown in FIGS. 14 and15, the downwardly facing end of each pouch 14 includes a notch 62. Atip of the cutting blade 40 enters the containers 14 above this notch 62and, because of the angle on the leading edge of the cutting blade 40,the blade 40 cuts downwardly as it travels forward until it cuts throughthe rim 64 of the containers 14. The notch in the containers 14 helps toremove material from the rim area 64 permitting easier cutting of thecontainer 14. The blade 40 may be coupled to the cutter arm 9.1 in anyknown manner. The cutting blade 40 may be metal while the cutter arm 9.1is plastic, or other suitable materials.

FIG. 12 shows the pawl 9.12 after it has begun to be released androtated in order to permit the post 9.11 to move relative to thereceiver 9.10. The return spring 9.4 is partially extended in thisposition and is in the process of pulling the cutting blade 40rearwardly. Because the cutting blade 40 has already traveled throughthe containers 14, the containers 14 have substantially completelyevacuated. There may be some residual liquid remaining in the containers14 that is negligible. The return spring 9.4 will pull the cutter arm9.1 rearwardly until a back end of the cutter arm 9.1 abuts the stop9.13. In this position, the cutting blade 40 will be fully retracted, asshown best in FIG. 13. In addition, pawl 9.12 is in a fully disengagedposition. The user must open the cover 24 in order to re-engage the pawl9.12. Since the containers 14 at this point will be spent, they willneed to be removed in order to permit a user to make another drink. Thecover 24 will be opened and the containers 14 can be pulled out of thereceptacles 12 and disposed of.

The example drink dispenser 10 takes multiple containers 14 of material,adds water and dispenses them into a cup 16. The funnel 18 serves as amixing chamber for the ingredients in the containers 14, as well as astation for mixing water with the contents of the containers 14. Waternozzles or outlets 20 are provided at the bottom of the receptacles 12.The water outlets 20 are coupled to a pump 17.1 and the water reservoirW and are used to mix water with the contents of the containers 14. Inaddition, the water outlets 20 are used to help clean and rinse thefunnel 18 and the various parts within the interior of the device 10without having to remove the cutting assembly 9 or divider plate 36. Thewater outlets 20 are positioned on both sides of each receptacle 12.They work together to create a swirling pattern within the funnel 18 inorder to help mix the ingredients and to help clean the interior when nocontainers 14 are inserted.

As discussed above, the display 11 includes a button for “mix” 10.5 and“clean” 10.3. The “mix” button 10.5 is pressed after the cover 24 isclosed in order to dispense water from the water reservoir W. The “mix”button 10.5 is tied to a control system that will meter an appropriateamount of water for the particular containers 14 used. The mix button10.5 may also be tied to a read function 10.2 such that upon reading thetype of container 14 used, the control system can determine how muchwater to add.

A “read” button 10.2 can be used to read the types of pouch or pouchesinserted and can be used to instruct a user as to what type of alcoholpouch to insert when a mixer pouch is installed. In addition, once thereading occurs, the control system knows what type of beverage is beingmade and can determine how much water to add to the system. The read10.2 and mix 10.5 functions could be performed by the same button, ifdesired.

The “clean” button 10.3 is pressed when no containers 14 are present inthe receptacles 12 in order to rinse or clean the interior of the devicewith water. In addition, the cutter assembly 9 and divider plate 36 areremovable from the housing 22 and permit a user to easily clean theinternal parts of the device 10 that come into contact with ingredients.

FIGS. 14 and 15 depict an example container 14 in the form of a pouch.The container 14 is appropriately sized to seat in one of thereceptacles 12. Differently sized and shapes containers 14 may be used,if desired. The container 14 has a notch 62 formed at a top end 66. Thetop end 66 is inserted first into the receptacle 12 so that during use,the top end 66 faces downwardly. This notch 62 can aid in directing thecutting blade 40 through a center area of the pouch 14. The pouches 14are preferably aseptic bags, lamination pouches, thermoformed containers14, foil sealed containers 14, or the like that are used to hold theingredients. This type of bag is readily known in the packaging industryand is used for such things as juice boxes and other liquids.

In one embodiment, a first container 14 holds the alcohol and a secondcontainer 14 holds the cocktail mixer. The containers 14 shown have aneck at an upper end. Other shapes could be utilized. For example, ashape that is not direction specific could be used, if desired, such asa round, oval, rectangular, or other shaped pouch. In cases where amixed drink is desired that requires the use of three containers 14 ofliquid, the user can insert two of the containers 14 and then can tearthe neck of the pouch and pour the contents of the third container intothe cup 16.

FIGS. 11-13 show a cup 16 placed under the funnel 18 so that when thecutting blade 40 opens the containers 14, the liquid can fall throughthe opening in the funnel 18 into the cup 16. As discussed above, wateris introduced into the funnel 18 for mixing with the ingredients fromthe containers 14. Four water nozzles 20 are shown installed. A waternozzle 20 is positioned on opposite sides of each receptacle 12. Thespray from the water nozzles 20 can be directed, if desired, to make aswirling pattern in order to clean the funnel 18 after the ingredientshave been emptied into the funnel 18. The spray from the water nozzle 20can also be directed at the cutting blade 40 in order to clean thecutting blade when it is still extended. Multiple ports or nozzles 20may be used for introducing water into the funnel 18 at other locations,if desired. Four ports are shown, but other ports may also be used.

The pump 17.1 will meter out an appropriate amount of water to coincidewith the ingredients in the containers 14 to make a cocktail, ifdesired. Alternatively, a fixed amount of water will be meteredregardless of the type of containers 14 installed in the receptacles 12.Water may continue to be expelled from the nozzles 20 even after thefluid in the container 14 has been removed from the container 14 suchthat clean water runs through the funnel 18 at the end of the dispensingprocess. While not shown, water could also be dispensed directly intothe funnel 18 to aid in washing the funnel 18 and in order to add morewater to the mixture.

The device 10 may be designed so that water runs as soon as the cover 24is closed, since that is when the cutting occurs. Alternatively, watermay be dispensed from the reservoir W once the user presses a button,such as the “mix” button 10.5. A controller or processor (not shown) canbe used to sequence the operation of the water pump 17.1 and the waterpump can be controlled by a signal generated by pressing a button on thedisplay 11. Alternatively, some of these functions can be done by hand.

The funnel 18 has a central opening 68 to deposit directly into anunderlying glass 16. The opening 68 could be non-centrally located, ifdesired. FIG. 1 shows the containers 14 extending above a surface of thehousing 22 in order to make it easier for the consumer to grab and pullthe containers 14 from the housing 22 after they have been used. Thedivider 36 helps to guide the containers 14 into their respective slots.In addition, when multiple containers 14 are positioned in thereceptacles 12, they can be easily removed by pulling them out at thesame time from the top.

FIG. 16 depicts an exploded view of the post 9.11 and receiver 9.10 ofthe cutter assembly 9. As shown in FIGS. 8-13, the post 9.11 andreceiver 9.10 are coupled to the cover 24 and move when the cover 24 isopened and closed. The post 9.11 slides inside the receiver 9.10 andincludes a ledge 48 at an upper end thereof for mating with the pawl9.12. The pawl 9.12 includes a tooth 70 at a top end thereof forabutting the ledge 48. The pawl 9.12 also has a release arm 56 thateventually engages with a knob 50 on the receiver 9.10 in order torelease the tooth 70 of the pawl 9.12 from the ledge of the post 9.11.The cutter assembly 9 also includes a cutter arm 9.1 bumper 9.13 that ispositioned inside the cutter assembly 9 and abuts the rear of the cutterarm 9.1 when in a retracted position. The cutter assembly 9 alsoincludes a return spring 9.4 that couples to the cutter arm 9.1 andreturns the cutter arm 9.1 to an unextended position once the pawl 9.12is released from the post 9.11. A bottom end of the pawl 9.12 ispivotally coupled to a bottom end of the receiver 9.10.

The post 9.11 is fully extended relative to the receiver 9.10 when thecover 24 is opened. Once the cover 24 is opened, the pawl 9.12 engageswith the tooth of the post 9.11. In this extended position, a downwardlyextending arm 56 of the pawl 9.12 engages against the knob 56 on thereceiver 9.10 so that when the cover 24 is closed, the post 9.11 andreceiver 9.10 remain fixed. Once the cover 24 is closed, the blade 409.20 and arm 9.1 rotate forward and the return spring 9.4 pulls the arm9.1 rearwardly, causing the pawl 9.12 to rotate into an unlockedposition. This also permits the post 9.11 to be released relative to thereceiver 9.10 so that the blade 40 9.20 can move into a retractedposition.

FIG. 17 depicts an exploded view of other parts of the cutter assembly9, as well as the divider plate 36, 9.25. As previously mentioned, thedivider plate 9.25 forms a wall within the receptacle 12 in order todivide the receptacle into two parts, one for receiving each of thecontainers 14. The divider plate 9.25 includes wings 72 that are used toengage an interior surface of the housing 22 in order to hold thedivider plate 9.25 in position. The divider plate 9.25 includes avertical slot 38 that extends upwardly from a bottom end of the dividerplate 9.25 that is configured to accept the forward motion of thecutting blade 40 9.20. The cutter blade 40 9.20 is engageable with thecutter arm 9.1 via posts 74 and is fixedly attached to the cutter arm9.1. The cutter assembly 9 also includes a cover 24 switch finger 9.15,a hinge mount 9.19, a cutter arm 9.1 pin 9.2, and a D2F switch 9.15.

FIG. 18 depicts an exploded view of the water system 17 of the device.The water system 17 includes a pump 17.1 that is coupled to varioustubing 17.12, 17.13, 17.20 and tees 17.11, 17.8. The pump 17.1communicates water from the water source W to the water outlets 20 thatare positioned at the base of the receptacles 12. The tubing 17.12,17.13, and 17.20 seats under the funnel 18 and provides an entry pointfor the water on either side of each receptacle 12.

FIG. 19 depicts an exploded view of the display unit 11 of the device.The display unit 11 is positioned on a front side of the device andfaces the user. The display 11 may include the parts shown, or couldhave different parts. The display 11 has a front bezel 10.1 and a faceplate 10.9. Three buttons are provided on the face place, including aclean button 10.3, a read button 10.2 and a mix button 10.5. A displaylens 10.8 is positioned in the front bezel 10.2. An LCD 10.7 ispositioned behind the display lens 10.8 and a display LCD 10.4 ispositioned behind the LCD 10.4. A PC board 10.6 is coupled to thedisplay LCD 10.4 and is positioned at the rear end of the display unit11.

The containers 14 can be made of PET, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, PETG,Surlyn, and HDPE food-grade materials or other materials. The containers14 may also include foil or other laminations, including any number ofpolymeric materials or combinations of materials in layers. The linermay comprise a combination of materials in layers, or could be anon-foil seal.

While not shown, four pouches 14 could be utilized instead of two, withtwo pouches being stacked on top of each other in each receptacle 12. Inthis case, the receptacles would need to be large enough to accommodatetwo pouches, or the pouches would need to be small enough to fit in asingle receptacle 12. The cutting blade 40 would need to be long enoughand sturdy enough to puncture all containers 14 in the receptacles.

The cutting blade 40 is a straight blade 40 that has a sharpened leadingend 60. The leading end 60 of the blade 40 may be angled so that a tipof the blade 40 enters each container first, followed by the remainderof the blade 40. The blade 40 may be made of steel, another metal, or,in some cases, hard plastic.

The device 10 may be a counter-top machine that allows 2, 3, 4 or morecontainers 14 to be used at a single time. A water source W may be awater reservoir W that is refillable and part of the device 10. A tankof any size, such as 32 ounces, may be utilized as the water reservoirW. Alternatively, the device 10 could be connected to a water line sothat the water reservoir W is not needed. As another option, the usercould pour water into the machine when every drink is made, when a waterreservoir W is not desired.

The container 14 sizes and shapes may vary from that shown here andrelative to one another in use. One possible size for a large pouch is acapacity of 6-8 oz. Another pouch or container may have a size of 1-2ounces. The pouches or containers 14 may hold concentrated ingredients.As such, the size of the pouches or containers 14 may be reduced. Forexample, a 2 ounce pouch of orange juice concentrate may make 8 ouncesof juice when properly re-constituted. Examples of types of componentsthat may be used in making a cocktail using the device 10 include thefollowing, which represent different viscosities: Syrup, Alcohol,Juice/Juice Puree, Dairy, a combination thereof, or other components notmentioned.

The dispensing device 10 is compact and stylish. The dispensing device10 is easily cleaned and maintained since the cutting assembly 9 can bephysically removed from the housing 22. The divider plate 36 may also beremoved. When both are removed, the funnel 18 is exposed. Thus, theentire area inside the housing 22 that is exposed to the contents of thecontainers 14 can be cleaned by a user.

Other features such as refrigeration, ice dispensation, and carbonationmay be utilized with the device disclosed herein. For example, aseparate container 14 may be added to the first and second containers 14to provide a carbonating component. Alternatively, a separatecarbonation system may be utilized along with flavoring and alcoholcontainers 14. A CO₂ container may be used for purposes of carbonation,if desired. Ice dispensing may be provided by an auxiliary device (notshown) that is either integral with or separate from the device 10. Thedevice 10 may include a refrigeration component (not shown) in order tochill or cool the components rapidly during the dispensing process. Thedevice 10 may include a sensory signal to indicate that the products arebeing mixed together during dispensation.

The dispenser 10 may be used to make any number of different types ofcocktails. Examples of types of cocktails include those presented athttp://www.drinksmixer.com/cat/1/(1 2000+ cocktail recipes). As anexample, one type of cocktail that may be made with the device 10 is“Sex on the Beach,” a popular fruit mixed drink made of vodka, peachschnapps, creme de cassis, and orange and cranberry juices. Anindividual container 14 for “Sex on the Beach” may be input to thesystem as well as a “shot” container 14 that includes a combination ofvodka, peach schnapps and créme de cassis. Alternatively, the “Sex onthe Beach” container 14 may already include all the components with theexception of vodka, which may be input using a separate shot container14. Alternatively, separate receptacles 12 for receiving multiplecomponents may be used, or containers 14 may be sized to seat on top ofor stacked against each other, with the cutting blade 40 slicing throughall containers 14 in the receptacle 12 in order to permit the contentsof the containers 14 to be evacuated. For example, a single receptacle12 could house the “Sex on the Beach” non-alcoholic components while asecond single receptacle 12 could house the alcohol components includinga peach schnapps container 14, a créme de cassis container 14, and avodka container 14. The alcohol components could be stacked on top ofeach other or otherwise arranged in the receptacle 12. The alcoholcomponents could be the same size or different sizes, depending uponwhat is called for in the drink recipe.

The dispensing device 10 may alternatively be used to make healthdrinks, such as those that include nutritional supplements or other“health food” related components. One type of ingredient may be amixture of vitamins in a concentrated liquid form, which are known to bemore readily absorbed by the body. Alternatively, a powder-based mix maybe used, with water from a water supply W being used to make the mixtureflow through the system 10. Other types of health enhancing products maybe used including vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients or products,as known by those of skill in the art. Pureed fruits and vegetables maybe utilized to incorporate fruits and vegetables, if desired. Forexample, a kale-based container 14 could be used along with amango-based container 14 along with a supplement container 14. Juicesmay be used. This permits the user to customize their “health” drink tofind a drink mixture that they enjoy.

The device 10 may include other features that are now shown, such as arefrigeration component or chiller (not shown), an ice dispenser 10 (notshown), a carbonation unit, or other features as will be readilyunderstood by those of skill in the art. The liquid mixture may also bedispensed into other types of receptacles, such as pitchers or mugs, forexample (not shown). A chiller could be used to chill the water in thereservoir W or the ingredients in the containers 14.

The device 10 may include smart technology, such as an RFID chip readerand a processor and/or controller C for directing the operation of thedevice 10. The containers 14 may include a chip, such as an RFID chipthat includes instructions for the device 10 to make the cocktailproperly. For example, the chip may include instructions for how muchwater to add to the contents of the pouch, whether to use plain water orcarbonated water, or a combination of both, how much pressure to applyto the contents of the container 14, or other instructions that aid inproperly preparing a cocktail. A chip reader reads the instructions fromthe chip when the container 14 is placed into the receptacle 12. Theseinstructions are then communicated to the processor, which theninstructs the various parts of the device 10 to operate according to theinstructions. The device 10 may include a processor and/or controllerregardless of whether RFID technology is used in order to allow forproper operation of the device 10. Other ways, other than RFIDtechnology, may be used in order to send instructions from the pouch tothe processor, as known by those of skill in the art.

Alternatively, the system may include a bar code reader that reads a barcode that is positioned on one or both of the containers 14 in order todetermine how much water to add to the contents of the containers 14.The “read” button 10.2 is used to read the bar code or the RFID chip, asdiscussed above. There may be instances when the read button 10.2 is notrequired, such as when all the containers 14 require the input of anequivalent amount of water, among other instances.

Various parts of the device 10 can be transparent, including thecontainers 14, if desired. Advertising material and instructions may bepositioned on the containers 14 and on the devices 10.

An apparatus for making a beverage includes a housing, a firstreceptacle, a second receptacle, a cutting assembly, and a water source.The first receptacle is positioned in the housing for accepting a firstbeverage container containing a liquid. The second receptacle ispositioned in the housing for accepting a second beverage containercontaining a liquid. The cutting assembly has a cutting blade 40 that ismovable relative to the first and second receptacles for opening thefirst and second containers substantially simultaneously so that liquidstored therein can be at least in part evacuated. The water source iscoupled to the housing. In addition, at least one water outlet isassociated with one or more of the first and second receptacles foradding water to the liquid from the first and second beverage containersfrom the water source.

The apparatus may also include a funnel positioned below the first andsecond receptacles for receiving the liquid from the first and secondbeverage containers after the cutting blade has cut the first and secondbeverage containers. The cutting assembly may be removable from thehousing for cleaning purposes. The apparatus may also include a dividerplate positioned between the first and second receptacles, with thedivider plate being removable from the housing for cleaning purposes.The apparatus may also include a pump and tubing coupled between thewater source and the funnel, a control system and a display. The displaymay have at least at least a first button and a second button. Thebuttons may be coupled to the control system, with the first buttonproviding a “mix” function when pressed that communicates a signal tothe pump in order to pump water from the reservoir into the funnel.

The cutting assembly may include a cover, a cutter arm, and the cuttingblade. The cover may be coupled to the cutter arm and the cutter arm maybe coupled to the cutting blade. The cutting blade may be operativelyassociated with the cover. The cutting blade may move forward when thecover is closed in order to cut through both the first and the secondcontainers.

The at least one first and second receptacles may have a resting surfacethat is angled at an angle relative to vertical such that any containerspositioned in at least one of the first and second receptacles will restat an angle when inserted into the respective receptacle. The angle mayrange from about 10 degrees to about 50 degrees. One angle is around 10degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, or 50 degrees. The firstand second receptacles may lean forward such that an upper end of thereceptacle is positioned in front of a lower end of the receptacle.

The cutting assembly provides a mechanical advantage to the cuttingblade.

The divider plate may have a slot for receiving the cutting bladetherethrough. The cutting blade may move substantially horizontallyduring cutting. The cutting blade may move from back to front duringcutting.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for making a beverage includes ahousing, a cutting assembly, and a water source. The housing has alongitudinal axis associated with the height of the housing. The housinghas at least a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The cuttingassembly interacts with the first and second receptacles. The watersource is coupled to the housing. The receptacles are angled such thatany containers received in the receptacles are angled at an angle ofabout 10 degrees to about 50 degrees relative to the longitudinal axisof the housing.

The housing may include a forward-facing surface, and the receptaclesmay be angled towards the forward-facing surface such that a bottom endof each receptacle is positioned further away from the forward-facingsurface than a top end of each receptacle. The apparatus may include afunnel positioned below the first and second receptacles. At least onewater outlet may be associated with one or more of the first and secondreceptacles and the funnel for adding water thereto. The first andsecond receptacles are in direct communication with the funnel.

The cutting assembly may be removable from the housing. The cuttingassembly may include a cover, a post and a receiver coupled to thecover, a cutter arm coupled to the post, and a cutting blade coupled tothe cutter arm. Movement of the cover from an open to a closed positionforces the post and receiver downwardly, thereby causing the cuttingblade to rotate forward.

In another embodiment, a method for making a mixed drink includesdepositing a first container having a liquid into a receptacle in ahousing, depositing a second container having a liquid into a receptaclein the housing, opening the first and second containers in order topermit the contents to at least in part exit the containers by slicingthe first and second containers with a cutting blade such that theliquid from the first and second containers enters a funnel positionedbelow the receptacles, pumping water from a water reservoir to minglewith the contents of the first and second containers in the funnel, andallowing the mingled contents of the first and second containers and thewater to exit the housing through an opening in the funnel by gravity.

The containers may be opened substantially simultaneously.

The term “substantially,” if used herein, is a term of estimation.

While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, itshould be understood that the features may be used singly or in anycombination thereof. Therefore, the claimed invention is not to belimited to only the specific embodiments depicted herein.

Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications mayoccur to those skilled in the art to which the claimed inventionpertains. The embodiments described herein are exemplary of the claimedinvention. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to makeand use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspondto the elements of the invention recited in the claims. The intendedscope of the invention may thus include other embodiments that do notdiffer or that insubstantially differ from the literal language of theclaims. The scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as setforth in the appended claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An apparatus for making a beverage comprising: ahousing having a longitudinal axis associated with the height of thehousing, said housing having at least one receptacle for holding abeverage container having a beverage; a cutting assembly interactingwith the at least one receptacle in the form of at least one blade thatis movable into and out of the at least one receptacle for cutting intothe beverage container and that is normally positioned outside the atleast one receptacle unless engaging in a cutting movement, or at leastone piercing element that is movable into and out of the at least onereceptacle for piercing into the beverage container and that is normallypositioned outside the at least one receptacle unless engaging in apiercing movement; wherein one or more of: 1) the at least onereceptacle is coupled to a chilling mechanism for chilling the beverage;2) the at least one receptacle is coupled to a carbonation mechanism forcarbonating the beverage; 3) the housing further comprises a mechanismfor dispensing ice; and 4) the housing further comprises a mixingmechanism.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a waterreservoir coupled to the housing.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, whereinthe beverage in the beverage container is in a powder form and thehousing includes a water dispensing mechanism coupled to the waterreservoir for adding water to the powder to form a liquid beverage. 24.The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the beverage in the beveragecontainer is a semi-solid ingredient and the housing includes a liquiddispenser for adding liquid to the semi-solid ingredient to form aliquid beverage.
 25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housingincludes an RFID chip reader, a processor, and a controller fordirecting the operation of the beverage dispenser; and the beveragecontainer includes an RFID chip that includes instructions for theapparatus to make the beverage using the contents of the beveragecontainer.
 26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the housing includes abar code reader that reads a bar code that is positioned on the beveragecontainer to determine how to make the beverage using the contents ofthe beverage container.
 27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the atleast one receptacle is angled relative to the longitudinal axis. 28.The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the at least one receptacle is angledat an angle between about 10 degrees and about 50 degrees relative tothe longitudinal axis.
 29. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprisinga beverage receiving receptacle positioned below the beverage containerfor receiving the beverage after the container has been cut.
 30. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the cutting assembly includes a spring.31. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the cutting assembly includes amechanism to cause the blade to move forward.
 32. The apparatus of claim21, wherein the blade or the piercing element moves in at least ahorizontal direction.
 33. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the bladeor the piercing element moves in a swinging motion.
 34. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein the beverage container is a pouch.
 35. The apparatusof claim 34, wherein the pouch is in the form of one or more of thefollowing: 1) aseptic bag; 2) lamination pouch; 3) thermoformedcontainer; and 4) foil sealed container.
 36. The apparatus of claim 21,wherein the apparatus is an on the counter-type of device.
 37. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the cutting mechanism is a blade with astraight blade having a sharpened leading end.
 38. The apparatus ofclaim 37, wherein the sharpened leading end of the blade is angled sothat a top of the blade enters the beverage container first, followed bythe remainder of the blade.
 39. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein thecutting mechanism comprises a combination of at least one blade and atleast one piercing element.
 40. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein thebeverage is non-alcoholic.